Well it wasn't to be for the Lady Jags on Friday as they fell to a determined Enloe team 64-49. I think our legs were really tired, after a brutal game with Wakefield on Wednesday and only going 7 deep on the bench, it just caught up with us.
The seniors when out this year in fine fashion 24-5. They finished their four year career's with a 97-21 record. That eclipses the old four year record by a senior class in wins (93) in 2008. This crew had something special about them. Their freshman year was of course the programs most successful year. But this year was fun....and it really was the funnest team I have coached at my nine years at Athens. I am disappointed in the outcome of last nights game, but not in the outcome and effort of all of the girls this season. Everyone had something positive to contribute.
And as as result, I became a better coach. A coach that has learned that the ability to listen to your players and determine what the next move to make is perhaps a better model than just doing the normal by the book actions. This group of young ladies more than any other have shown grit, determination and the ability to just hang in there and good things will happen.
Like I said earlier this season after the Green Hope incident, it is not about winning and loosing, it's about Character and Leadership....and this team had those intangibles........
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Playoff notes part 2
Athens all-time record at home in the Playoffs stands at 12-1. During the past four years the Lady Jags are 8-1 at the home gym. Just another remarkable acheivement for the program. Right now the four year record is 97-20...and counting...can we get to 100......
Lady Jags pull away from Wakefield in fourth...advance to sectional finals
The Lady Jags will advance to the Sectional Finals for the third time in four years after they defeated a determined Wakefield sqad 61-50 Wednesday evening. Athens travel to Enloe to face the Eagles on Friday.
Keisha Gatling and Rachel Collins combined for 47 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists as Athens pounded the ball inside to complete the task of beating Wakefield.
WRAL Coverage
Keisha Gatling and Rachel Collins combined for 47 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists as Athens pounded the ball inside to complete the task of beating Wakefield.
WRAL Coverage
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lady Jags put the "smack down" on Patriots
The Lady Jags won their 5th straight opening round playoff game dominating the Pinecrest Patriots 65-24 at Athens Gym. The Patriots actually led 4-2 early but a 14-2 run the close the first quarter put the games outcome in little doubt.
The Jaguars were a balanced act at they shot 13 of 21 in both halves to end up the game 26 of 44 for a terrific fg percentage of 62%. A far cry from the 32% in the Green Hope game. A function of a good shooting percentage is getting high quality shots. Obviously, the more layups you get the higher the percentage is when you add those in with the outside shots.
Next up for the Lady Jags is Wakefield who ended Athens season last year in the sectional semi-finals. Wakefield escaped Durham with a 48-45 win over Hillside in a rematch of last years Sectional Final.
The Jaguars were a balanced act at they shot 13 of 21 in both halves to end up the game 26 of 44 for a terrific fg percentage of 62%. A far cry from the 32% in the Green Hope game. A function of a good shooting percentage is getting high quality shots. Obviously, the more layups you get the higher the percentage is when you add those in with the outside shots.
Next up for the Lady Jags is Wakefield who ended Athens season last year in the sectional semi-finals. Wakefield escaped Durham with a 48-45 win over Hillside in a rematch of last years Sectional Final.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Playoff notes
The Lady Jags (22-4) will host Monday's playoff game vs. Pinecrest High School (10-14). Pinecrest is the #4 seed out of the Southeastern Conference.
This game is 4th year in a row and 5th time in 6 years that the Lady Jags have hosted at least the 1st round of the NCHSAA playoff's. Each time the Jaguars have prevailed although not easily. Last season the Lady Jags held on to defeat East Wake 42-39 on a three-point shot by Lainey Childrey with 1:25 left on the clock. Two years ago a tough Wake Forest Rollesville team took the Lady Jags down to the wire before loosing by 55-48. These Seniors have seen this act before as their freshman year Athens hosted Durham Jordan in the first round, a game that had many physical plays including a couple of bloody noses and a technical called in the 4th quarter.
I expect nothing different Monday night at 7pm as Pinecrest I am sure will be determined not to see their season end. They are a veteran team with four seniors including the leading scorer Crystal Seasgroves who averages 15 points and 9.8 rebounds. Jennie Joy is the main perimeter threat for the Patriots as she is averaging 3.5 steals per game and dishing out 5.3 assist per game to go with her 11 points.
Game is on tomorrow at 7pm.........
This game is 4th year in a row and 5th time in 6 years that the Lady Jags have hosted at least the 1st round of the NCHSAA playoff's. Each time the Jaguars have prevailed although not easily. Last season the Lady Jags held on to defeat East Wake 42-39 on a three-point shot by Lainey Childrey with 1:25 left on the clock. Two years ago a tough Wake Forest Rollesville team took the Lady Jags down to the wire before loosing by 55-48. These Seniors have seen this act before as their freshman year Athens hosted Durham Jordan in the first round, a game that had many physical plays including a couple of bloody noses and a technical called in the 4th quarter.
I expect nothing different Monday night at 7pm as Pinecrest I am sure will be determined not to see their season end. They are a veteran team with four seniors including the leading scorer Crystal Seasgroves who averages 15 points and 9.8 rebounds. Jennie Joy is the main perimeter threat for the Patriots as she is averaging 3.5 steals per game and dishing out 5.3 assist per game to go with her 11 points.
Game is on tomorrow at 7pm.........
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lady Jags struggle from the field, loose in Championship game
The Lady Jags come out with fire in Friday's Tri-9 Conference Championship game with Green Hope but ran out of gas as their three-point shots came up short in route to a 52-46 loss.
Keisha Gatling scored 23 points in 11 of 12 shooting including 8 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. As good as Gatling shot the ball, the rest of the team struggled from the field save for Lainey Childrey who finished with 15 points, three assists and 5 rebounds. Rachel Collins managed 4 points and Megan Gorman chipped in a basket to round out the scoring.
Defensively, the Jaguars held Kristen Gaffney to a season low 13 points and limited the conference Player of the Year to only 2 baskets in the second half.
The Lady Jags will host Pinecrest High School on Monday at 7pm in the 1st round of the Sectionals.
Keisha Gatling scored 23 points in 11 of 12 shooting including 8 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. As good as Gatling shot the ball, the rest of the team struggled from the field save for Lainey Childrey who finished with 15 points, three assists and 5 rebounds. Rachel Collins managed 4 points and Megan Gorman chipped in a basket to round out the scoring.
Defensively, the Jaguars held Kristen Gaffney to a season low 13 points and limited the conference Player of the Year to only 2 baskets in the second half.
The Lady Jags will host Pinecrest High School on Monday at 7pm in the 1st round of the Sectionals.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Championship Friday
Here we go again another Championship game. This is our 3rd one in 4 years. This is a special one for sure. The girls are hyped (hope not too much) but I will take that for sure. They have done a good job getting to this game and staying focused on each game before us.
22-3 is a great record but it will so much sweeter if we can get that tourney crown. This senior group has won 95 games...a record.....let's make it 96 tonight......and we have never lost in the gym
Today was my grandmother's funeral back in Arkansas. She will now get to rest in peace after 98 years. See post below for more details.
22-3 is a great record but it will so much sweeter if we can get that tourney crown. This senior group has won 95 games...a record.....let's make it 96 tonight......and we have never lost in the gym
Today was my grandmother's funeral back in Arkansas. She will now get to rest in peace after 98 years. See post below for more details.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Playoff's next week
We wil host the #4 from the Southestern Conference on Monday at 7pm.
We will host the second round on Wednesday if Wakefield defeats Hillside, if not we will travel to Hillside
It is possible for us to host the finals, we will have to see how that side of the braket works out.
Below is the link to the unfilled out bracket. I will post an updated bracket on this blog
http://www.nchsaa.org/championships.php?mode=viewchampPDF&champID=421
We will host the second round on Wednesday if Wakefield defeats Hillside, if not we will travel to Hillside
It is possible for us to host the finals, we will have to see how that side of the braket works out.
Below is the link to the unfilled out bracket. I will post an updated bracket on this blog
http://www.nchsaa.org/championships.php?mode=viewchampPDF&champID=421
Lady Jags move on to the Tri-9 finals
Athens has moved on to the finals of the Tri-9 conference with a 43-24 win over Middle Creek. Athens playing it's second game in less than 24 hours got off to a good start breaking down Middle Creeks's 1-3-1 trap for layup's in the opening quarter for a 18-6 lead.
The girls did a good job of breaking down Middle Creek defensively early and then we just locked them down on defense the rest of the way.
The win pushed the Lady Jags record to 22-3 and 16-2 in Tri-9 conference play. This senior class is now 95-19 overall and 61-7 in league play. Five of those seven losses came on the games final possession or in OT.
This had been week of reflection for me personally as my 98 year old gradmother passed away. Wow she was born in 1912 in a one room house Mississippi. She only made it to the sixth grade in school. Even at that it certainly is not like the sixth grade would be now. Known as a tough fiesty women who servived a house being blown away by a tornado and another buring to the ground. I remember her telling me about the first time she saw an airplane fly over the house and about how she did not think we ever went to the moon. How impossible that must have seemed to her. She was a survivor in every since of the word. She never learned to drive a car...that must have simplfied her life.......
Okay Lady Jags let's get those Green Hope Falcons tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!
The girls did a good job of breaking down Middle Creek defensively early and then we just locked them down on defense the rest of the way.
The win pushed the Lady Jags record to 22-3 and 16-2 in Tri-9 conference play. This senior class is now 95-19 overall and 61-7 in league play. Five of those seven losses came on the games final possession or in OT.
This had been week of reflection for me personally as my 98 year old gradmother passed away. Wow she was born in 1912 in a one room house Mississippi. She only made it to the sixth grade in school. Even at that it certainly is not like the sixth grade would be now. Known as a tough fiesty women who servived a house being blown away by a tornado and another buring to the ground. I remember her telling me about the first time she saw an airplane fly over the house and about how she did not think we ever went to the moon. How impossible that must have seemed to her. She was a survivor in every since of the word. She never learned to drive a car...that must have simplfied her life.......
Okay Lady Jags let's get those Green Hope Falcons tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tri-9 Tournament Booklet
the following document for all of the information about the
2010 Tri-9 Conference Basketball Tournament
2010 Tri-9 Conference Basketball Tournament
Sunday, February 14, 2010
1st Round of Tri-9 tournament set
The Lady Jags will host Fuquay on Tuesday at 6pm. The Athens Boys will host rival Cary at 7:30.
Athens will face Fuquay in the 1st round of the conference playoffs. This is the second time in three years the Lady Jags have played host to the Bengals in the tournament.
After Athens defeats Faquay they will face the winner of the battle of the creeks between Middle and Panther.
Go Lady Jags!!
Athens will face Fuquay in the 1st round of the conference playoffs. This is the second time in three years the Lady Jags have played host to the Bengals in the tournament.
After Athens defeats Faquay they will face the winner of the battle of the creeks between Middle and Panther.
Go Lady Jags!!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tri-9 Tourney update schedule
Here is the latest scoop.......
Here is what we know for sure
We will host a game on Tuesday v. Fuquay.......
The time is unknown...since our guys had a strong finsh and Cary lost it's last four games, they are not tied for 4th. They will have a draw for 4th and the winner of that draw will host the game.
therefore, if our boys win the toss, we will play at 6pm and they will follow at 7:30
If Cary wins the draw we will play at 7pm
Will know later today........will let you know
Here is what we know for sure
We will host a game on Tuesday v. Fuquay.......
The time is unknown...since our guys had a strong finsh and Cary lost it's last four games, they are not tied for 4th. They will have a draw for 4th and the winner of that draw will host the game.
therefore, if our boys win the toss, we will play at 6pm and they will follow at 7:30
If Cary wins the draw we will play at 7pm
Will know later today........will let you know
Lady Jags dismantle pesky Holly Springs with strong 2nd half
The Athens Drive Women's basketball team shook off a pesky Holly Springs team with a strong 2nd half 59-33. Athens trailed eary 9-7 as Holly Spring seniors got the start and quickly answer with a 7-3 run early in the 1st quarter. The score was tied at the end of the 1st at 11.
With the game tied at 24 at the half, Athens started the second half on a 12-2 run to put some distance between the two teams. Keisha Gatling finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks. Rachel Collins added 13 points 5 rebounds and 5 assists. "We really got our high low game going especially when Holly Spring went back to man defense." I was pleased with our efforts in the 2nd half to put them away especially considering they had such a hot start to the game and it was their Senior night. I told the girls at halftime that we had taken their best shot but it was time for us to make our mark on the game and take control of the situation."
In their last game of the regular season Athens dished out 20 assists with only 10 turnovcers. "I don't ever remember any game since I have been at Athens were we had a 2 to 1 ratio of Assist to Turnovers. I certainly remember some games where that was reversed.
Early on we missed some shots, took some quick shots vs. their zone and were not getting the ball inside to Gatling and Collins. I thought HS did a good job of playing their 1-2-2 zone picking us up high and forcing out of our regular pattern. We needed to be more paitent on offense, get the ball to the high post and make their zone shift a few times and then attack.
The Lady Jags will not look to the Tri-9 conf. tournament next week.
Stay tuned for details....
With the game tied at 24 at the half, Athens started the second half on a 12-2 run to put some distance between the two teams. Keisha Gatling finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks. Rachel Collins added 13 points 5 rebounds and 5 assists. "We really got our high low game going especially when Holly Spring went back to man defense." I was pleased with our efforts in the 2nd half to put them away especially considering they had such a hot start to the game and it was their Senior night. I told the girls at halftime that we had taken their best shot but it was time for us to make our mark on the game and take control of the situation."
In their last game of the regular season Athens dished out 20 assists with only 10 turnovcers. "I don't ever remember any game since I have been at Athens were we had a 2 to 1 ratio of Assist to Turnovers. I certainly remember some games where that was reversed.
Early on we missed some shots, took some quick shots vs. their zone and were not getting the ball inside to Gatling and Collins. I thought HS did a good job of playing their 1-2-2 zone picking us up high and forcing out of our regular pattern. We needed to be more paitent on offense, get the ball to the high post and make their zone shift a few times and then attack.
The Lady Jags will not look to the Tri-9 conf. tournament next week.
Stay tuned for details....
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lady Jags travel to Holly Springs for season finale
The Athens Drive Women's basketball team will travel to Holly Springs tonight in their final regular season game. The Lady Jags sport a 19-3 overall record and have clinched a #2 seed in the upcoming Tri-9 tournament with a 13-2 conference record. This is the 6th year in a row that Athens has finished either 1st or 2nd in conference play. They have also clinched their 7th straight playoff appearence both are records.
Athens will try to get win #20 tongiht. With a win tonight, the Lady Jags will win 20 games in the regular season for only the second time in school history(2007, 21-2).
Athens will try to get win #20 tongiht. With a win tonight, the Lady Jags will win 20 games in the regular season for only the second time in school history(2007, 21-2).
Senior night...one of celebration...tears of joy
Senior night at Athens was of course emotional and tearing up during the ceremony. But it is of course so much more that just a ceremony to celebrate and rah rah for the outgoing seniors. It's about character development, maturity and providing leadership. These three seniors have provided us with so many moments of laughter, fear, anxiety, triumph and many other emotions.
We did a great job of going out and putting in the energy to have a successful night. Although we just played a tough physical game with Apex, we just come out and in a business like fashion completely dominated Panther Creek. I made sure we played 10 in the 1st half while maintaing a certain control of the game but allowing for mistakes.
While not their actual last home game as well will have at least two more home games, the seniors went out in fine fashion.
On to Holly Springs who I hear is out for revenge for the butt whooping we put on them at our place.
We did a great job of going out and putting in the energy to have a successful night. Although we just played a tough physical game with Apex, we just come out and in a business like fashion completely dominated Panther Creek. I made sure we played 10 in the 1st half while maintaing a certain control of the game but allowing for mistakes.
While not their actual last home game as well will have at least two more home games, the seniors went out in fine fashion.
On to Holly Springs who I hear is out for revenge for the butt whooping we put on them at our place.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
There must have been a full moon last night
Wow what a crazy rivalry game between Apex and Athens last night. All in the name of raising money for the Kay Yow/WBCA cancer fund. There were a ton of upsets in the area last night. Broughton beat Wakefield, Enloe lost to Sanderson and Wake Forest defeated Milbrook. Middle Creek lost to Fuquay....We survived because of sure will and determination.
Our girls won a gritty game where injuries and foul trouble forced us to play some people in positions that are not used to being in. When it came right down to the end of the game, our seniors took over and we pulled out a nail biter 54-51. In the process of all of that Keisha Gatling had one of her best night offensively scoring a career high 26 point, grabbing 6 board, dishing out 6 assists (career high) and blocking 6 shots.
Rachel Collins made a layup from an inbound pass from Lainey Childrey with less than a minute to go to give us a 3 point lead. We held on to complete the victory.
This senior class is 6-3 vs. Apex and 91-19 overall record including 57-7 Tri-9 record during this four year period.
Our girls won a gritty game where injuries and foul trouble forced us to play some people in positions that are not used to being in. When it came right down to the end of the game, our seniors took over and we pulled out a nail biter 54-51. In the process of all of that Keisha Gatling had one of her best night offensively scoring a career high 26 point, grabbing 6 board, dishing out 6 assists (career high) and blocking 6 shots.
Rachel Collins made a layup from an inbound pass from Lainey Childrey with less than a minute to go to give us a 3 point lead. We held on to complete the victory.
This senior class is 6-3 vs. Apex and 91-19 overall record including 57-7 Tri-9 record during this four year period.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hoops 4 Hope game tonight v Apex
Apex visits Athens tonight in a classic rivalry game. The game will promote breast cancer awareness through the 3rd Annual "Hoops 4 Hope" game.
Game time is 7:30. There will be shirts to purchase and action items to bid on in the lobby prior to the game.
Athens leads the series over the last four years 5-3. The Jaguars broke a Apex two game streak earlier this season with a 55-39 beat down of the cougars on January 5, 2010.
Tonights games promises to be another classic....
Game time is 7:30. There will be shirts to purchase and action items to bid on in the lobby prior to the game.
Athens leads the series over the last four years 5-3. The Jaguars broke a Apex two game streak earlier this season with a 55-39 beat down of the cougars on January 5, 2010.
Tonights games promises to be another classic....
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Lady Jags claim win #17 with a 62-34 route of Fuquay
Rachel Collins and her teammates made quick work of Fuquay with a 62-34 win on Friday February 5, 2010. Collins led all scores with 17 as Keisha Gatling finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds and six blocks. Juniors Jabria Hill, Lainey Childrey scored 10 and 8 respectfully. Sophomore Megan Gorman provided a good game with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.
Athens shook off a pesky Fuquay team in the 3rd quarter beginning the quarter with a 10-0 run.
Athens shook off a pesky Fuquay team in the 3rd quarter beginning the quarter with a 10-0 run.
Lady Jags board bus on the way to crush the Fuquay Bengals
Lady Jags board their bus in route to their 62-34 victory.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Rachel Collins signs National Letter of Intent to play soccer
Rachel Collins will play soccer at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Greenville next year.
See WRAL Interview here
See WRAL Interview here
Lady Jags Remaining schedule
Assuming WCPSS allows to play tonight....below is our remaining schedule
Friday 2/5 @ Fuquay 7:30
Tuesday 2/9 Apex (Hoops 4 Hope)
Wednesday 2/10 Panther Creek (Senior Night)
Friday 2/12 @ Holly Springs
Tri-9 Playin game featuring the #8 vs. #9 in conference. Winner will play Green Hope
Tournament schedule TBA
Friday 2/5 @ Fuquay 7:30
Tuesday 2/9 Apex (Hoops 4 Hope)
Wednesday 2/10 Panther Creek (Senior Night)
Friday 2/12 @ Holly Springs
Tri-9 Playin game featuring the #8 vs. #9 in conference. Winner will play Green Hope
Tournament schedule TBA
Monday, February 1, 2010
Game officially rescheduled for Thursday
Tuesday's game vs. Panther Creek has been rescheduled for Thursday. All tiimes remain the same. JV @ 6pm..Varsity to follow
Practice will be at 3pm on Wednesday.
Practice will be at 3pm on Wednesday.
No school means no practice and no game
With WCPSS cancelling school for Monday, there will be no practice. I fully expect to be out again on Tuesday and therefore our game would be moved most likely to Wednesday if we are in school. If we returned on Thursday I would expect we would play then.
I will keep you posted.
I will keep you posted.
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